Incoming EU leader stands by backstop

The incoming European Commission president has pledged to defend the Brexit backstop and the peace process amid calls for communities to be informed about possible border controls if there is no deal.

Ursula von der Leyen, who is the nominee to lead the commission, said she would not reopen Brexit talks with the UK and its new prime minister. She also said the “precious” backstop, the fallback plan to avoid a hard border, must be defended.